Renegade pedigree notable for Kentucky Derby favorite

Renegade pedigree notable for Kentucky Derby favorite originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Renegade is a horse you'll hear plenty about ahead of the 2026 Kentucky Derby.

He's one of the favorites to win the Run for the Roses, and for good reason. He's got the record and the pedigree you need for potential success.

Nothing is a lock at Churchill Downs, but for those considering Renegade as the horse to back in this race, there are certainly plenty of reasons to believe in him.

Renegade pedigree for Kentucky Derby horse

Renegade's parents are Into Mischief and Spice Is Nice.

It doesn't get much better than Into Mischief as a father. He's had a record-tying three Kentucky Derby winners as his kids. He's seemingly the best sire currently out there, with a 2026 $250,000 fee.

Spice Is Nice had a so-so racing career but is the daughter of the legendary Curlin, so that's points in the favor of that side of the pedigree, too.

Renegade clearly was viewed as a high quality horse, having Todd Pletcher as a trainer and with jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. taking to the horse for the Derby.

As far as racing already -- Renegade has two wins, two seconds and one third.

Most notably, he won the Arkansas Derby.

There are plenty of things pointing to Renegade having a great chance to win the Kentucky Derby, too.

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